5 ways Jaipur Pink Panthers can beat Patna Pirates in Pro Kabaddi

What Jaipur Pink Panthers needs to do to qualify for the semis

Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Jasvir Singh (pink) in action against Patna Pirates early this season

The champion’s crown is under threat as the Jaipur Pink Panthers face a do-or-die situation against the Patna Pirates today. After a dismal start, the Pink Panthers made a heroic recovery and have given themselves a great chance to be in the semi-finals again.

In their path lies a formidable Patna Pirates side which has already got the better of the team from Jaipur earlier in the season. But, we take a look at a few statistics which the Pink Panthers must have a look at before they enter the field on Wednesday.

Here are five ways how the Jaipur Pink Panthers can beat the Patna Pirates today and book a place in the semi-finals of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi 2015:

1. Score 30 or more points

The Jaipur Pink Panthers have won 72% of their matches when they have scored 30 or more points this season. Among the two games where they have scored more than 30 and not won, one was a thrilling draw against the Telugu Titans while the other was the most recent 1-point defeat to the Bengal Warriors. So, if the Pink Panthers score more than 30 points, they are almost certain to arrive in Mumbai to take on U Mumba in the semi-finals.

2. Sonu Narwal to make the difference

There has been a lot of talk about Rajesh Narwal and Jasveer Singh being the major threat to the Patna Pirates. But the statistics show that it is Sonu Narwal who often makes the difference for the Pink Panthers. When Sonu Narwal scores 5 or more points, the Pink Panthers never lose a game and win 80% of the matches. So if the Patna Pirates are planning to focus more on Rajesh Narwal and Jasveer Singh, they are in for s surprise.

3. Score double-digit tackle points

With top raiders like Rajesh Narwal, Jasveer Singh and Sonu Narwal in the ranks, they win most of the games the moment their defence clicks. When the Pink Panthers score more than 9 tackle points, they win 86% of their matches. Ten will be the magic number for the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defenders, who will look to dominate Patna Pirates’ raiders.

4. Lead at half-time to win at full-time

The Pink Panthers rarely relinquish their half-time lead. Only twice in the entire campaign have the Pink Panthers surrendered a half-time lead. With a win percentage of 78% when leading at half-time, its crucial that the Jaipur Pink Panthers take the game to the Pirates right from the start. With such a strong raiding department, chasing the game against the Pink Panthers is a dangerous proposition.

5. Stop Sandeep Narwal

If there is one man who could derail the Pink Panther’s bid to reach the semi-finals, it’s the Patna Pirates’ skipper, Sandeep Narwal. With a win percentage of 72% when he scores 5 or more points in a game, Jaipur can virtually qualify for the semi-finals if they manage to keep Sandeep Narwal quiet.